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The fence surrounding Tarn End Hotel was moved this week marking the end of a four-month wrangle which was set to end up in court.

Cumbria County Council said the fence was encroaching on the public footpath and had launched a legal bid for a ‘removal and disposal order’ to forcibly move it.

Citadel Estates, which owns the hotel, maintained that the fence was not illegal and was needed for safety reasons.

But this week the company took action to resolve the saga by moving the fence and widening the footpath at the Brampton beauty spot.

Concerns were raised in February after the once-booming hotel was boarded up, fenced off and part of the roof removed.

Metal barriers between the property and water’s edge forced walkers to negotiate along a corridor between two sections of fencing.

But Dean Montgomery, of Citadel Estates, confirmed this week that – following a conversation with city councillor Ray Bloxham – the fence closest to the water’s edge has been removed and the fence on the other side has been moved closer to the hotel.

Mr Bloxham, who is also the chairman of the Friends of Talkin Tarn said: “Mr Montgomery asked me what we could do to resolve this. I told him that there needed to be a walkway wide enough for two people to pass with push chairs. I said that the fence at the water’s edge should be taken down and he agreed.”

Mr Bloxham added: “This has gone on for too long now but and I am grateful to Mr Montgomery for calling me to resolve the issue and for what he has done.”

Mr Montgomery said: “I am pleased that a compromise has been agreed and thank councillor Ray Bloxham for his efforts.”

The legal team at the county council was not available for comment but it is understood that the footpath is yet to be checked over by officers.

Mr Bloxham said that providing it complies with the regulations their case against Citadel Estates will be dropped.

He added: “We do not have a problem now. I do not envisage any more difficulty."